My Thoughts on George Floyd’s Murder, Rioting, and the Route to Justice

What Ex-Officer Derek Chauvin did to George Floyd was a sadistic, heartless murder in the name of hate.  Uninhibited by cellphones recording, Chauvin continued to suppress Floyd’s trachea with his knee.  Floyd was unarmed and already handcuffed – on the ground.  No more restraining was necessary.  The objective was to get Floyd into the police car – not on the ground – much less killed! 

Chauvin had a history of abusing minorities.  Only two out of the 18 complaints against the former officer had resulted in disciplinary action. (CNN)  Chauvin probably thought he was going to just get away with police brutality again.  With millions in lockdown, he probably thought people wouldn’t riot during a pandemic.  If I read his twisted mind right, then the current reading is that he found out he was wrong.

I’m against both police brutality and the riots that followed, because the violent protesters are punishing the wrong people.  Small restaurants and Mom and Pop shops are not responsible for Floyd’s murder or the systemic racism associated with it.  Low income communities are impacted by the destruction. (D. Barnes)  The convenience and grocery stores in the city may be all they have – plus during a pandemic when resources are scarce.  Some businesses destroyed were run by minorities. (Univision)  The violence is mischanneled anger.

I understand the motives for the riots.  Peaceful protest wasn’t working in recent years, and the most famous example was football players kneeling during the national anthem.  Who could stand for “liberty and justice for all,” if the word, All, did not include you?  With anyone at risk for the next police murder, and peaceful protests being unheeded, the urge to be destructive is understandable.  It was justified desperation.  I don’t like it, but it impacted political figures who also didn’t like it – and took action.  The officers involved are now all charged, and Chauvin went from being just terminated to being charged with second degree murder.  Now we have “BLACK LIVES MATTER” on the road leading to the White House large enough to be seen from outer space. (The Guardian)  Those astronauts who just left Earth a few days ago can see it now.

Ever since Michael Brown’s death in Ferguson, Missouri, I’ve had an idea that I wish to share now.  African American communities should come together, and organize themselves to create political change at the state and federal level.  They should choose their wisest, most qualified people to run for office and pass laws to make the country a better place.  Moreover, I believe police agencies should connect with their communities, and talk with people.  They should get to know the people in their jurisdictions, and then neighborhoods would be positively bonding with the police.  There would be less hatred if people knew one another.

References:

Andrew, S (2020 Jun 1).  Derek Chauvin:  What we know about the former officer charged in George Floyd’s death.  CNN.  Retrieved from:  https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/01/us/derek-chauvin-what-we-know-trnd/index.html

Aratani, L (2020 Jun 6).  Washington mayor stands up to Trump and unveils Black Lives Matter mural.  The Guardian.  Retrieved from:  https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/06/washington-mayor-muriel-bowser-trump?fbclid=IwAR2xF8Q9EshBAfau20D9X_DRvmj84lQHZTOzBavAyTQN_U0RlwhI147QP8s

Now This Politics (2020 Jun 2).  NYC Woman on Destroying Property in Low Income Neighborhoods.  [Video].  Featured protester:  Desiree Barnes.  Retrieved from:  https://www.facebook.com/NowThisPolitics/videos/1209961062679819/UzpfSTEwMDAwMDI3MTYwNTQ1MTozMjE0MDUxNTMxOTQ3MjAy/?q=voice&epa=SEARCH_BOX

Univision News (2020 Jun 4).  Looting destroys businesses already affected by coronavirus.  [Video].  Retrieved from:  https://www.facebook.com/watch/?ref=search&v=598309510818445&external_log_id=82ea680cd683e7f79c30b1aeacf76ce9&q=businesses%20affected%20by%20riots

Header Photo:  Courtesy of The Verge.

Ricker, T (2020 Jun 8).  Apple Maps updated with a giant Black Lives Matter DC mural.  The Verge.  Retrieved from:  https://www.theverge.com/2020/6/8/21283744/black-lives-matter-satelliite-apple-maps